What they said

Head Coach Gregor Townsend said: “Portugal play a brand of rugby that will stress our defence, and they know that it’s an opportunity playing a Six Nations side with a big crowd at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

“It’s an opportunity for players to play for Scotland who have trained really hard, and trained really well over the last few weeks, but it’s also players who we believe in. Some featured for us on summer tour, others have been in really good form for their clubs, and we believe that this squad can deliver a result this weekend.”

The Stats

• If he comes off the bench, Freddy Douglas will become Scotland men’s youngest debutant since Donald White in 1963.
• In what will be his 33rd cap, George Horne will make his first start at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
• Darcy Graham needs one try to equal Duhan van der Merwe’s all-time men’s try scoring record.